Career and Technical Education- Focus on the Why! Artwork

Chesterfield County Public Schools Better Together

S'mores and campfires, macaroni and cheese, popcorn and movies...what do these things have in common? They are better together! In this podcast, Cat Tompkins of Chesterfield County Public Schools' Office of Family and Community Engagement has conversations with stakeholders on a variety of topics that directly impact education. The goal of this podcast is to strengthen the ties between home and school and schools and the community by sharing stories, challenges, and successes. Chesterfield students will have better outcomes when we take a collaborative approach to support learning. Schools, families, and the community are better together too.

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Chesterfield County Public Schools Better Together

Career and Technical Education- Focus on the Why!

January 20, 2021 • Family and Community Engagement, Cat Tompkins

It is estimated that people change careers an average of 5-7 times throughout their working life. The 21st century world is full of career possibilities. Technological advancements will likely increase the 5-7 career average for our students and many occupations they will seek, do not yet exist.

How do we prepare our students for the future workforce? How does a student seek out the most interesting career path that will meet his/her needs? One answer may be considering the Career and Technical Education, or CTE.

CTE facts:

95% of CTE students graduate high school
CTE has incredible career demand
CTE students achieve better grades...they are more satisfied and engaged in course work and they have direction in life

This Engage Chesterfield podcast explores the “W's” of CTE...What is it? Who benefits from it? Where is it available? What is the application process and when can students apply? Can Career and Technical education support your child's dreams? We all want our children to be prepared for their future, to grow and be self sufficient productive members of the community doing something they love. Is the CTE right for your child?

Special thanks to guests:

Chad Maclin, Career and Technical Education Director

Georgia Kasper, Career and Technical Education, Implementation Coordinator

Sarah Jurewicz, Baking & Pastry Arts Instructor

Paul Lathrop, Mechatronics and Robotics Instructor

Helpful links:
CCPS Tech Center Website
Association for Career and Technical Education